Elandor smiled gently, realizing that Aiden’s curiosity would not be quelled until he received an answer.
Gazing at the road stretching out before the carriage, he spoke: “Your question is well-placed, Aiden.” He then calmly clasped his hands and continued: “Under normal circumstances, if a mage wishes to sense another’s mana, direct physical contact is required.
It is the simplest and most accurate method.” Aiden nodded; he had learned this rule during his school lessons.
But Elandor continued: “However, there is a higher level beyond that…
one reached by only a select few.” Aiden’s brows knit together in fascination.
“A higher level?” Elandor smiled.
“Every spell cast…
leaves a trace behind.” He slowly raised his hand and gestured toward his fingertips.
“When a mage utilizes magic, minute remnants of mana linger on their hand…
or upon their staff, should they wield one.” He paused for a moment before completing his thought: “These remnants do not last long, and the majority of mages cannot perceive their existence at all.
Yet, they do not vanish instantly; they leave faint residues that can be tracked.” Aiden’s eyes widened.
“Can any mage see them?” Elandor shook his head.
“No.” He looked at him with a serious expression.
“It requires long years of training before one’s magical senses become capable of discerning them.” He smiled confidently and added: “If you dedicate yourself to this art for nearly five years, you will be able to sense those residues even from great distances.” Silence fell within the carriage.
Aiden absorbed every word, feeling as though he had discovered a new door to the world of magic that the school had never once revealed to him.
Moments later, Elandor turned to him, his face bearing a smile that carried a mixture of pride and anticipation.
“However…” He spoke, his gaze locked firmly into his new disciple’s eyes.
“All of this is but the beginning.” Aiden leaned forward slightly, waiting for what was to come.
Elandor spoke in a calm voice, yet one that carried immense weight: “Starting from today…
I shall teach you the very first foundations of Healing Magic.” Aiden’s heart raced.
He did not know that these words…
Would be the beginning of a journey that would change the history of magic in the continent of Aegisor forever.